16th EUSA European Universities Rowing Championship officially opened in Zagreb

The 16th EUSA European Universities Rowing Championship was officially opened on August 26, 2026, at Lake Jarun in Zagreb, bringing together more than 460 student-athletes and team officials from 75 universities across 23 European countries.

The Opening Ceremony at the Jarun Sports and Recreation Center marked the start of four days of racing, with crews set to compete from August 26 to 29 on one of Zagreb’s best-known sporting venues.

Zagreb and the University of Zagreb are hosting the EUSA European Universities Rowing Championship for the third time, continuing a strong tradition of university sport and rowing in the city.

The Opening Ceremony welcomed the participating delegations and guests, with speeches delivered by:

• Mrs Jasenka Ostojić, Vice-Rector for Arts, Culture, and Inter-University Cooperation, representing the Rector of the University of Zagreb;
• Mr Luka Korlaet, Deputy Mayor of the City of Zagreb;
• Mr Davor Pavlović, President of the Zagreb Academic Sports Association;
• Mr Krešimir Šamija, Director of the Directorate for Sport at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia, representing the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and the Minister of Tourism and Sport;
• Mr Mićo Ljubenko, President of the Zagreb Rowing Federation;
• Mr Andreas Csonka, Chair of the EUSA Rowing Technical Committee and Member of the EUSA Executive Committee; and
• Mr Tomislav Paškvalin, Envoy of the President of the Republic of Croatia.

Welcoming the student-athletes to Zagreb, Davor Pavlović highlighted the city’s experience in hosting major rowing and academic sporting events, while thanking the institutions, sporting organisations and partners whose support made the championship possible.

“We are thrilled to host you and delighted to see so many student-athletes competing here. I hope you have a wonderful time in Zagreb, and I wish you great sporting success.”

Krešimir Šamija welcomed the athletes to Croatia and Zagreb, underlining the strong support of the Croatian Government for major sporting events and highlighting academic sport as an important part of the country’s sporting community.

Representing EUSA, Andreas Csonka reminded the athletes that university sport is about more than competition, bringing together the challenge of training both body and mind.

“I wish you a great and fair competition. I encourage you to respect your competitors on the field of play and let fair play define this championship.”

But the Opening Ceremony was not only about speeches and official welcomes. The evening also brought plenty of energy and fun, as the participants were surprised by a flash mob that quickly got the whole crowd on their feet.

Student-athletes and delegations enthusiastically joined in, dancing together and taking on the familiar rowing-inspired moves made famous by the Norwegian rowing team at the World Championships. The unexpected performance brought everyone together and set the perfect tone for the days ahead.

With the championship now officially underway, the focus shifts to the water. Over the coming days, crews from across Europe will compete for the title of European Universities Rowing Champion, with Lake Jarun providing the stage for some exciting racing.

But alongside the competition, the championship is also about bringing students together through sport, friendship and fair play — creating memories that will last well beyond the final race.

The 16th EUSA European Universities Rowing Championship continues until August 29, when the new European university rowing champions will be crowned in Zagreb.

All photos from the Opening Ceremony are available HERE.